NIT makes a impact in the Bloomington-Normal community

NORMAL, Ill. – The National Invitational Tournament is coming to Illinois State University, giving basketball teams that did not make the NCAA Tournament a chance to compete in the postseason at a high level.

Jeri Beggs, director of athletics, said the goal is to support student-athletes while also giving back to the community by allowing fans to watch their favorite teams, including the Redbirds.

“We start out thinking about how it helps our student-athletes, the programs, the coaching staff and the university,” Beggs said. “They want to be able to see their Redbirds play, so we know that the fans appreciate it.”

Fans traveling to Bloomington-Normal to watch their teams are expected to boost the local economy through hotel stays, restaurant visits, gas purchases and other spending. The increased traffic also benefits local businesses by bringing in new and returning customers.

Zach Dietmeier, chief operating officer, said the biggest economic impact comes from visiting teams and their accommodations.

“From a visitor’s perspective, where you’re seeing the most impact is with those direct stakeholders, the team, which will have anywhere from 15 to 20 hotel rooms that they’re bringing in for a night,” Dietmeier said.

The tournament includes 64 teams. Illinois State’s women’s basketball team enters postseason play with a 20-13 record.

Dietmeier said the Redbirds could have an advantage if they continue to win.

“If the Redbirds keep winning, they’ll be looking to keep hosting because a lot of the other teams don’t have quite the record and successful hosting pedigree that Illinois State does for these types of events,” Dietmeier said.

For more information about the tournament, visit goredbirds.com for updates.